Americanism is a question of principle, of idealism, of character. It is not a matter of birthplace, or creed, or line of descent.
Theodore RooseveltRead
In speaking to you men of the greatest city of the West, men of the state which gave to the country Lincoln and Grant, men who preeminently and distinctly embody all that is most American in the American character, I wish to preach not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of hard work and effort over comfort and ease.
The essence of Roosevelt's quote advocates for a life of striving and exertion rather than one spent in complacency. He addresses the influential citizens of America, reminding them that true character and achievement stem from embracing challenges and actively engaging in the pursuit of greatness, highlighting the value of effort in shaping a fulfilling life.
Themes
StrenuousEffortWorkLifeCharacterAmericanChallenges
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to encourage students to embrace challenges ahead.
More from Theodore Roosevelt
All quotes →It tires me to talk to rich men. You expect a man of millions, the head of a great industry, to be a man worthhearing; but as a rule they don't know anything outside their own business.
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No man should receive a dollar unless that dollar has been fairly earned.
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Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.
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Conservation means development as much as it does protection._x000D_ _x000D_ A man's usefulness depends upon his living up to his ideals insofar as he can.
Theodore RooseveltRead
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.
Theodore RooseveltRead
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